The Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) has identified 155 buildings where extensions were made in violation of plans which had been approved by the civic body and launched a drive to demolish such illegal portions.

Sources said the SMC had served notices on the owners of 88 such buildings and demolished 12 illegal structures so far after the owners concerned had failed to remove them.

“The remaining cases are being held for some legal procedures. We will not allow any illegal construction in the civic area. Those making constructions should adhere to the building plans approved by us,” said an official at the SMC.

On Friday, civic workers, along with officials from the building cell of the SMC, reached Shantinagar, a locality in ward 36 of the city

“In the area, a portion of a building was constructed without obtaining any licence for commercial activities. The residential building was also used to host social events. Despite repeated notices from our end, the owner did not take any steps. So, we demolished the unauthorised part of the construction today,” the official said.

A similar drive was also held in the Khudirampally area of the city on Thursday. “Apart from the drive against illegal constructions, we also conducted encroachment clearance drives on Kutcheri Road and Station Feeder Road, two prominent thoroughfares. Five illegal warehouses were also dismantled at Chayanpara in ward 42,” said a source.

Ever since Gautam Deb took over as the mayor, the SMC has been relentlessly trying to stop illegal constructions in the city.

“We are having regular meetings with traders, realtors and others concerned. They have been told explicitly to refrain from illegal constructions and encroachment. In case of any violation, stringent steps would be taken,” said Deb.